H.R.2499 - Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009

To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico. view all titles (4)

All Bill Titles

  • Official: To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico. as introduced.
  • Short: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009 as introduced.
  • Short: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009 as reported to house.
  • Short: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010 as passed house.

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Displaying 61-71 of 71 total comments.

  • Americanme 04/30/2010 6:24pm
    Link Reply
    + -2

    I see a lot of people say that if PR becomes a state that the US will have more economical responsibilities towards PR. The US forks out millions of dollars every year to PR. Welfare, WIC, education and other grants. While the US government is forking out all this money to PR, residents of PR do not pay ANY taxes. Is that fair to us tax payers? The Island should either become the 51st state or be on their own. Puerto Ricans have voted against this 4 times already, of course they will vote against it. They want to continue reaping all the benefits… Having nice houses with out paying taxes. Working 1 or 2 jobs not paying taxes. How about working here in the US for 6 months and returning back to PR with money they saved just to collect unemployment and welfare. That is revenue that could be used here in the US to help the economy of the Place where they worked. If you are worried about the economy then educate yourself a little more about how PRicans live. PR free or the 51st State

  • Comm_reply
    jabariabramson 05/01/2010 10:44am

    Puerto Rico most definitely pay taxes just not Federal Income Tax but they do pay for Welfare programs, Social Security and Medicare and the military.

    http://www.irs.gov/app/vita/puerto_rico.html

    Besides we already know nearly half of U.S. residents don’t pay Federal Income Tax and not to mention illegal immigrants.

  • Comm_reply
    EricsAir 07/25/2010 3:17am

    Aloha Americanme,

    Try doing research before you post:
    http://www.irs.gov/app/vita/puerto_rico.html

    PR citizens are obligated the same way that any other American is obligated in paying of taxes.

    And in case you want to discuss the “illegal immigrants” I already checked:

    http://www.irs.gov/publications/p515/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000224806
    Look for the link entitled: “Foreign Persons”

    Everyone who works in the United States is obligated to pay taxes – additionally, business who “employ legally” will be obligated to account for each employee. It is the “illegal employers” who do not inform the IRS of their business.

    Thank you for your opinionated postings.

  • Americanme 04/30/2010 7:06pm

    The US is telling PR… either you become a State and help pull your own weight. We are tired of giving you millions on education just to have PR’s youth be the lowest ranking grades in the whole US. We are not giving any more funds that are specifically for special education if you are going to use this money for what ever else you think PR needs. We are not giving you more money to spend on teachers salaries that sit around class talking on their cell phones and surfing the web. Teachers not even going to school leaving the children unattended, having the mothers that don’t work sit there with them and watch that a drug dealer don’t walk through the open gates of the school to sell to minors. The parents that actually care about their kids future making a decision of who is going to work and who is going to stay home in order to be ready to be at the school at any time in case a teacher does not show up for her class. PR either becomes a State and pull it’s weight or go on it’s own..

  • Comm_reply
    RonBacardi 06/18/2010 10:17am

    Gain an education first before speaking. Puerto Ricans are NOT getting a free ride from anything. The island pays all medicare and social security taxes like everyone else in the US.

    And you can talk about plenty of education systems in the US having the same problems. Why single out Puerto Rico?

  • Comm_reply
    poncharo85 01/26/2011 10:58am

    True!!!

  • Jibaro 05/02/2010 8:05am

    As an American Citizen resident of Puerto Rico, I am happy that finally the Congress have decided to end the Oldest Colony of the World. The problem of Puerto Rico is the colonialist group that controls all the big businesses and wants to remain without paying federal taxes. Now this group which have used all the unspeakable political practices available have not been able to stop this Bill. Finally, justice will be served! Finally, the People of Puerto Rico which are as Americans as anyone born in the midwest will have its opportunity to be fully protected by the US Constitution.

  • Comm_reply
    EricsAir 07/25/2010 2:55am

    No offense Jibaro, but you may want to “rethink your drink.” More than likely it will take a while for the “statehood” to “officially” kick in for Puerto Rico. Additionally, do not be surprised when you have immigrants from other countries coming into your “state” and taking your jobs for lower wages, and your businesses heading out to other countries so they can have the “freedom” of the United States (government written) Free Trade Agreements.

    Its a pain to deal with businesses that do not pay federal taxes, but it would be better if your country remain soverign. Hooking up with the United States will come with a Very High Price for countries to pay.

    But I do hope that everything works out for the best interest of the people of PR.

  • Spam Comment

  • haruglory 05/06/2010 7:11am

    I’m a little split… tho this would take away the chance for puerto rico to become sovereign, it may be exactly what we need to make sure that the USA doesn’t end up losing its sovereignty to China… So many people go on cruises to Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico rarely ever gets a fair share of the money… If this bill passes, the US would be FORCED to share w/ Puerto Rico, also allowing for increased economic prosperity… PASS THE BILL!!!

  • Comm_reply
    EricsAir 07/25/2010 2:48am

    Just out of curiosity: Where did you get the information about the United States “losing its soveriegnty to China?”

    In doing research, I have found many “agreements” made by the United States government to be very “flexible” to the US, but very “restricted” to other countries in a suppressing manner.

    Read through some of the Agreements endorsed by the United States Government:
    www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements

    In reference to the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010, I fear for the people of PR. Of course the US government is going to support the “statehood” of PR – it will make PR the 51st state!!


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